1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Astra (178 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (134 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Astra weights approximately 35 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Opel Astra. (230 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 156 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.4 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.9 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
